Black Forest Cake classic dessert

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
• For the Cherry Filling:
  • 2 cups cherries, pitted and halved (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup cherry juice (from the can or prepared separately)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• For the Whipped Cream:
  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Decoration:
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Fresh cherries

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• Mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, espresso powder) in a large bowl.
• Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to the flour mixture and mix together until well combined.
• Carefully add boiling water to the cake batter until well combined.
• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

2. Cherry Filling:

• Combine cherry juice, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
• Stir in the cherries and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

3. Whipped Cream:

• Using a mixer, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the cakes are cool, slice each cake layer horizontally to create four thin layers.
• Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over it, then a layer of cherry filling.
• Repeat with the remaining cake layers, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
• Decorate the top with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.

5. Serve:

• Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Conclusion:

This Black Forest Cake is a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate, creamy whipped cream, and juicy cherries into a visually stunning dessert. Perfect for celebrations or a special family dessert, it’s a show-stopper that’s sure to impress!